Two Killed After Suspected DUI Crash Near Atwater
Two parties were killed after a suspected DUI crash near the Atwater area on Friday, June 25, 2021. The car accident occurred on Spaceport Entry and Santa Fe Drive and involved a 2012 Lexus ES350 and a 2012 Honda.
Details on the Fatal Suspected DUI Crash Near Atwater
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a 20-year-old Atwater resident was driving the Lexus westbound on Santa Fe Drive behind the Honda. Officials said the Lexus reportedly rear-ended the Honda. The impact of the collision propelled the Honda and caused it to engulf into flames.
Sadly, the Honda driver and her passenger were trapped inside the car. Authorities pronounced both parties of the Honda deceased at the scene. Officials have recently identified the decedents as a husband and wife: 57-year-old Jose Juarez and 56-year-old Pamela Juarez, both residents of Merced.
The crash caused the Lexus to strike a chain-link fence in the area and overturn. The Lexus driver sustained injuries described as moderate in the wreck. CHP traffic officers conducted a field sobriety test and determined that the Lexus driver was driving while intoxicated at the time of the crash. They were arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony driving under the influence (DUI).
What is the Legal Process for a Wrongful Death Car Accident?
When a loved one is lost in a motor vehicle accident caused by another driver or entity, a wrongful death claim may be the only way to obtain justice and financial recovery from this tragic situation. Compensation from this type of case may help survivors with medical and funeral costs and supplement the lost future earnings necessary in supporting surviving family members. Conversely, survivors may seek recovery from lost companionship, care, protection, and other intangible losses. Punitive damages may also be sought from the at-fault party for DUI resulting in a fatal crash. However, it can be challenging to know how to start the legal process, particularly in the aftermath of a tragedy.
There is a statute of limitations that applies to bringing a claim for wrongful death in California. The filing deadline is generally two years from the date of the incident under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Specific relatives have priority when it comes to bringing such cases. This includes the spouse, domestic partner, and children of the deceased. Since there are strict filing deadlines and criteria applicable to these claims, it is essential to contact an experienced attorney right away to discuss the details of the case.
No financial recovery may ever compensate survivors who have lost a close relative in a fatal car accident, but an attorney can help families seek the fair compensation they rightly deserve from difficult insurance companies. Unlike insurers, the attorney will have the family’s best interests at heart and keep them well-informed throughout the process. Learn more about how a lawyer can help a family after a wrongful death car accident by watching the video below.
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The attorneys at our law firm have the experience, skills, and resources to help your family in bringing a wrongful death claim against difficult insurers, determine the value of damages, and guide you all throughout the process. We are available anytime to meet with you and your family to discuss the details of your case. Contact us today for free, friendly advice and learn about your rights and options.
Car Accident Lawyer in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. Some of the most devastating moments in an individual’s life involve the loss of a close relative. It is particularly disheartening when the death was unexpected and preventable. At our law firm, our goal is to take as much of the burden from surviving family members as possible as we work to obtain a fair recovery for losses incurred. We want survivors to have one less worry in their lives as they are coming to terms with their loss. If you have lost a loved one in a traffic collision caused by another driver or entity, please contact our legal team today to receive free, friendly advice on your situation. We will go over the details of your case and advise you of your potential options for recovery moving forward.
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